Howell suspended indefinitely following arrest

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- South Carolina center Rolando Howell has
been suspended from the basketball team indefinitely following his
arrest on a criminal domestic violence charge, coach Dave Odom said
Tuesday.

The rising senior averaged 10 points and 6.3 rebounds last
season and was expected to be a key player for the Gamecocks this
season.

Now he won't participate in any team-related activities until
the matter is cleared up, Odom said in a statement.

"Rolando has some legal and personal issues he needs to work
through during this time," Odom said.

Howell was arrested Saturday at an apartment complex where he
lives with his girlfriend and 2-year-old son.

An incident report said Howell's girlfriend was crying and had a
red mark on the left side of her neck. She told deputies she had an
argument with Howell that turned physical with Howell choking her,
pulling her hair and hitting her in the face, according to the
incident report.

Howell also was suspended in 2000 for seven games for his part
in a money-order scam.